After World War II Theo and his older brother, Karl, transformed their mother's corner grocery store into discount supermarket giant Aldi, which now has more than 7,000 stores and $49 billion in sales. They eventually split ownership and management of the group into North and South regions. Theo still manages Aldi's less profitable northern chain with the help of his 2 sons. In the U.S. owns gourmet food retailer Trader Joe's and a stake in Supervalu Inc. After being kidnapped for 17 days in 1971 has shunned the limelight. Little is known about him, though rumor has it that he is very thrifty, collects old typewriters and loves to golf.